About Randy L.

About Randy

Are you an adult who always wished you could play or sing?Or a homeschooler who wishes you had music for your child?

Do you wish you or your child could just sit down and play the music you feel?

Is fear or uncertainty stopping you from playing in front of others?

Have you written some great song lyrics and just need help with the music?

Do you live far away from a good selection of teachers?

Maybe we should be talking.We make it easy to study online, from anywhere in the world.

Children don't learn to read before they can talk. So why should anyone have to try to read before they play or sing?

That is how music has been taught for many years, andone reason why many students just quit or had a miserable time with piano lessons. Music should be fun. Period.

We use m

usic to help you find your own voice.When you find your voice, the rest of you is not far behind.

We help people to overcome any fears they may have about playing. We simply help you to find your confidence. Many people are afraid to express themselves because of negative comments from a family member or friend. We help you move far past that and get to your own voice, free of worries.

It has been said that playing only from sheet music is like only being able to talk when you are reading it from a book.

We help people to play and sing by ear.

Yes, learning to read music brings you wonderful music from some great composers. But there is so much more.

First, we find out how you learn and what you are interested in. Life is just different when you get in touch with the music inside you. Sure, it is some work, but it is very satisfying! I love to help people do this!

All that said, reading musical notes is like your alphabet. When was the last time you had to ponder the alphabet when you wanted to speak? Once you know the alphabet, you just forget it and move on, to words, stories and communication. Music is a language as well.

Everybody loves music. How will you find yours? It’s different for everyone. Maybe you want to sing like that great pop singer you love, or play keyboard. Some people write songs. In all cases, the keyboard helps you to understand all about music.

Bach used to improvise all the time. Why shouldn't you?

SONGWRITERS: If you write songs, just bring in an idea and we will record it. We set a tempo and a key, and get your basic groove looped, all in about two minutes. Then we lay down the chords and a bass part and you sing a reference vocal. You can easily lay out a song in a one-hour session. Then it is easy to see how to produce it. It is amazing to go home with a recording of your song that did not exist in the world until you gave it a voice!

Along the way, you become a better writer, singer and/or keyboard player. You will learn to play by ear. And have a LOT of fun. You can do this online too.

ONLINE SESSIONSYou create a rough sketch and we track it, with your input. We can help you to set up your own songwriter studio as well. If you get Logic software at your end, you can put on phones and cut a vocal with me producing you.Seriously, great fun.;0)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:“...an amazing instructor...inspiring mentor...compassionate.”“...a lot of patience.”“My son's love for music has come from Randy.”“...positive attitude and friendly personality.”“...wildly entertaining.” “ ...will teach you in a way that will make you want to learn.”“We look forward to our lesson every week!”

"Randy, I like your "Semper Method of Music” teaching method.It's applying knowledge with fun, and common sense... the best combination. Good luck. You’re a great musician."Joe Messina, Motown recording guitarist & Funk Brother

SONGLabYour music. Instantly.We use recording as a powerful tool to help you listen and improve. Tired of crappy tabs? Struggling to capture your song? No worries. Learn a process, instead of a lesson. Apply it anywhere.

Go from musical idea to music, fast.Get to the groove in 2 minutes or less. In any software.

SONGLab Studio. The antidote to rote.

SCHEDULING:Please note: If the particular time you had in mind is listed as unavailable, don’t worry. Between working online and two locations, I am very flexible and will work hard to make our schedules click.

SPECIAL NEEDS?Everyone's needs are special. If your child has been diagnosed ADHD or ASD, music can be a joyful and rewarding way to see real growth and make a wonderful experience for parent and child. We help with the Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses in a fun and therapeutic way.

Just Google "BrainVolts" for a tremendous study from Northwestern University on the amazing effects of music study!

Playing by EarPretty much everyone can play by ear. So we help you to find your own voice, reach your musical goals and to create and perform music as a real and beautiful part of your life.

Making music should not be a boring job. Rather, it should be something you can't wait to do. A way to get in touch with the rest of the universe. You will also learn to read and write, but it won't get in the way of your music.

Since a very young age I have loved to improvise and to create music. It is very satisfying to pass this on to others who are full of music inside but may not know how to get it out. If you wish that you or your child could get some help creating your own music as well as playing the great music already written, perhaps we should be talking.

I am from Canada, and I have been a professional musician since 1970. I studied music performance in school, piano with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and Music Education at Queens University. I have toured with national acts, produced dozens of recordings of all kinds and played, arranged and conducted music on cruise ships all over the world.

Music is my life. Bringing other people's skills to a higher level is what I do best.

Tell me what you want to accomplish, either for yourself or your child. I look forward to speaking with you.Warm regards,Randy

PS:A note about allergens:I teach online and at my home and my studio. At home we have two very friendly dogs and a cat (Julian) who sleeps all day. If you have allergies, we will study at the Troy studio which is allergen-free. Unless you love animals. In that case, you will get to meet Vinnie & Buddy, the two most kid-friendly, loves-everybody, most gentle little guys you will ever meet. I put Vinnie's picture up so you can see him.

Teaching teachersSeveral excellent teachers I know who have been teaching music for many years were frustrated by not being able to play without a sheet of music. They have found satisfying and positive results from this approach.

Wouldn't it be great to be gifted? In fact... It turns out that choices lead to habits.Habits become talents. Talents are labeled gifts.You're not born this way, you get this way. ~ Seth Godin

*** Lesson Details ***

Music should be fun. Period.

My only real job is to make sure you have fun and want to learn more. Then you will do the rest. you will astonish yourself and everyone around you!

In a traditional music education, reading the works of others is the focus, with no encouragement to improvise or to play by ear.

In our community, there is a prestigious, private college prep school that charges just under $80 per hour for traditional private music lessons. If you take away the music, most cannot play a note.

My method is every bit the equal of that school for those who are drawn to express themselves playing by ear. You will still learn all the core skills needed to be a well-rounded musician.

Music study helps people young and old to overcome shyness and build confidence. It empowers them as they refine their special talents.

We will always have a lot of fun, but there is a lot to do, so we need to be efficient. My teaching method is a combination of the best methods I have found. It is backed up with the same solid principles that I received when I was a student myself. If you choose to continue and pursue a classical education at a high level, you will be well-prepared.

Please note: You are most welcome to start with 30 minute sessions to see if we are a good fit. 30 min lessons are offered for this purpose and also for very young children with short attention spans. For any student, wishing to make progress, lessons will eventually need to be an hour or 45 minutes at minimum in order to reach your goals.

AttendanceWhile fun is our main goal, we need results and I am an old-school stickler for results.

Weekly sessions are the only way to get measurable results, and the only way I teach. Two absences a month is noted by colleges as a clear path to dropping out. That is what bi-weekly sessions will do.

Though you'll receive serious critiques from me, I always uplift and encourage. Positive energy is the ticket.

My Method: Listen, Sing, Clap, Play, Read and Write. With these tools you can look deeper into the elements that make up music. Folk, jazz, pop, rock or classical; all Western music is derived from the same principles. We will study ear training from a wonderful ear training book by a famous guitarist. It'Âs simple: you learn all the theory so you will be at the top of your game, but always have fun doing it. For notation, we will use The Semper Note Speller. For scales, we have the famous Brown Scale Book.

Technology We use recording as a tool to help you hear how you sound and we always encourage you to express yourself with improvisation. In many cases, you will have tracks to practice with. We also use apps for your phone that really help. A guitar tuner to nail down vocal pitch, as well as a metronome app that is with you wherever you go. If you have a minute anywhere you can get in some good practice time. So we truly have the best of all worlds: playing from music and learning to play by ear! If you stick with it and do the work, the end result will be that you can always just sit down and play, whether or not you have any music in front of you!

On our first lesson we will do a duet jam session together and you will not believe how great you sound!

The Big Picture In the old days, a tiny percentage of students would become a concert pianist.

Today, there are a multitude of other ways to become involved with music. Whether you are looking at music as a profession or as a hobby, we let parents know of the many choices available so that they can make good decisions, for themselves and for their children.

Having fun as you improve is a big priority. I also teach songwriting, singing, music recording and performance, as well as piano.

Remember:A piano should be an irresistible invitation, not an obstacle.

*** Studio Equipment ***Troy studio: A digital keyboard in a professional recording control-room environment at our media production studio. The studio is near Big Beaver and Stephenson Hwy.

Home studio: An acoustic piano and recording studio environment at my home in Franklin/Beverly Hills.

Your InstrumentIf you are taking any kind of music lesson, we recommend a tuned piano or digital keyboard, preferably with at least 76 full-sized keys.

We have helped many people to find the right piano. If you like, I can suggest several different models of keyboard that I have researched and of which I approve. They range from an inexpensive but effective starter keyboard for ear training and just plain fun to an 88 note weighted keyboard for more expressive practice.

*** Specialties ***Adults who always wanted to.Homeschoolers who are frustrated.Kids who just love music.

My youngest student is 4 and my oldest student is 102 now. )At 100 he recorded an album of songs from the 1920s!)

I teach people of all ages first to play by ear and to have fun while they study. Then I back up ear training with solid theory so they can read and write music. In school I studied many traditional methods and I have distilled my own distinct method from them. Though I am classically trained, I specialize in improvisation.Here's to a most satisfying musical experience!Best regards,Randy

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Reviews

Fallon N. June 16, 2017·Speaking Voice·In studio

Randy is amazing. Memorization is not my forte. He is really helping me nail this speech down! Would totally recommend him.

Anja June 16, 2017·Singing·Online

Randy is a wonderful teacher. We are so happy and grateful to have found him. He's extremely knowledgeable, patient, enthusiastic and fun! My daughter looks forward to her time with Randy and is blossoming.

Nita June 8, 2017·Singing·In studio

He is an amazing teacher! He is really there for you and wants you to make improvement. You can tell that music is his passion and he loves to teach, it's not just a job to him it's his life! I was hesitant to start lessons because I wasn't sure what I'd really get out of it or if I'd be willing to be open with an instructor but I'm so glad I decided to take it on.

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About Karmyn T.

About Karmyn

Hello! My name is Karmyn and I am a professional singer/actress and vocal teacher/technician. In my journey to become a vocal artist, I had to discover the proper techniques to allow me to sing both classical and musical theatre. Being a professional vocalist, I had to find something that worked safely and effectively!

I would love the opportunity to share this powerful technique with you and help you overcome your vocal weaknesses and learn to sing with ease, musicality and strength!

*** My Story ***

When I entered college in the 1993, I had high hopes for my voice. My usable range was quite large for my age: G3 to E6. During my collegiate training I began to notice problems: jaw pain that I had never had before, loss of breath control and forced high notes that used to feel so natural. Unfortunately, because of this training

, I left college with a shrunken range: A3 to Ab5, I had lost more than an octave as a result of poor training by a doctorate of music.

In 1995 I won Miss Louisiana (Miss America). I was blessed to received scholarship for the rest of school. One of the colleges that provided money was the University of Louisiana Monroe. I decided to take summer sessions with Dr. Weidman. He realized quite quickly that I had been given the wrong Fach and technique for my voice type and encouraged me to stop with my former teacher and give my voice a break. And I did.

In fact, I decided to focus on acting. The closest acting community was Dallas, Texas. There I was picked up by the Ivett Stone Agency and began booking national commercials, TV spots and films. Along the way I worked with Don Shook of the (then) Actors Company in Dallas, TX. Don listened to my vocal story and told me about his teacher, Bill Bauer.

Bill became my vocal mentor and saving grace. He taught me how to release the tension of poor training and build the technique that lasts a lifetime! I am forever in his debit as my Angel of Voice!

Along with his guidance and genius he helped developed a safe, powerful technique for all vocal genres. I’m so confident that this method will work that I can I guarantee your singing and/or speaking voice will be the best EVER!

In addition to Bill's technique, in 2005, I began incorporating the Gary Catona Method for both my speaking and singing students. It is a powerful Bel Canto vowel method that strengthens and heals all voice types!

Whether you are a beginner and want a solid technique, or you have experienced bad training and need to retrain, I guarantee this method will work for you!

*** How I Can Help You***

I have taught both singing and acting for over 17 years and have the honor of working with some amazing students including, American Idol finalist Rachel Hale, Singer/Song writer Sara Skinner, Bluegrass singer Joseph Hott, Actress Molly Quinn, Actor John R Colley, Ark-La-Tex’s country star, Klancy Johnson, singer/actress Tara Clem and many, many more.

I began teaching private vocal lessons in 1998. I have taught for two schools of music, First United Methodist Music School in Texarkana, Arkansas and Burbank Music Academy in Burbank, California. In 2007, I began offering vocal lessons online through Skype. My current studio is located in Manhattan.

I've been a member of the National Association of Teacher's of singing for 6 years and am also a member of Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, NARAS (the Grammy's) and a lifetime member for the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. I hold 2 Fine Arts degrees in Music and Drama as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts; Sciences in Administrative Leadership with an emphasis in Psychology.

*** Lesson Details ***

In your lesson, I start where you're at. I identify immediate problems and then put you on a regimen to move you toward your vocal best. I am a stern but encouraging teacher. I expect a vocalist to practice.

Whether a beginner or seasoned performer. My goal is to get your voice to a place of ease in production and to articulate your performance in a way to connect with your audience.

Each lesson is recorded and emailed so you can listen and practice. Practicing is imperative to building your vocal muscles and performance skills.

-I also utilize Sing & See in my studio for vocal analysis when needed.

*** Specialties ***

Along with the guidance and genius of Dallas-based vocal teacher and composer, Bill Bauer, I have developed a safe, powerful technique in the art of vocal production for all vocal genres. Some of which include supported belt singing and Bel Canto-style singing.

I am also a trained Opera singer and jazz vocalist and have trained in Vocal Pedagogy both in college as well as with the National Association of Teachers of Singing of which I am a full member.

I am a former Miss Louisiana and talent winner at Miss America. I have judged numerous local, state, and national pageants and talent shows across the country.

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Reviews

Michael July 3, 2017·Singing·In home

Excellent 1st lesson. She was very nice, very knowledgeable, and very understanding. Explain things throughly and actually works with you. She's very organized and has a system that seems fail proof. I feel like I will definitely be making great progress and will achieve all the goals that I set out for myself plus more. I don't usually write reviews but this one was well deserved. Definitely looking forward to my next lesson and many more to come

Melanie June 16, 2017·Singing·In studio

Karmyn is an excellent singing instructor and an excellent educator. She has clearly put a lot of thought into how to convey ideas to students of different ages and skill levels. Karmyn has a warm and engaging manner. We couldn't be happier to work with her.

Emily M. April 21, 2017·Singing·Online

Her excercises really work and make sense i am already feeling a difference when i sing. Thank you so much Karmyn you are very supportive. I am excited to be working more with you.

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About James W.

About James

I worked for Eddie Van Halen for five years in the 1990's in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles and was instrumental in providing help with development of the Peavey Wolfgang and Wolfgang Special Guitar by providing feedback on the prototypes Eddie was designing at the time. I learned a lot from Eddie and his brother Alex about music and the music industry. (All you have to do is pay attention! ) I have played in bands from Hollywood to Toronto and back both as a singer songwriter and guitarist. I bring the Musicians Institute way to the table and get things up and running quickly. I help students get it under their fingers fast and get it right the first time.

I believe in sharing the happiness of making music with anyone who loves music and the guitar in particular. I do my very best to get you playing the songs you love in Pop,

Rock, Jazz and Folk Music of your choice. Today's modern new guitars are easy to play and you will enjoy learning Guitar right away. That is how it should be. When you study there is a basic understanding of Guitar to be learned that allows an ease of use for anyone for years to come. This will help you reach your goal and improve each week. My students learn to practice in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense. This takes all the stress out of learning and gives everyone something to smile about and look forward to each week.

The good feeling of playing along with friends and taking a solo is within every students grasp. I will show you the way there. And with a solid and straightforward approach to the theory as it applies directly to the guitar you will feel confident and unafraid of any music endeavor. We'll cover harmony and fingerboard theory and give you a road map of the guitar neck that makes it a pleasure to play. You learn the basics and much more than you thought possible retaining 90 percent of what you learn!

Having been a student myself I was deeply involved in music since age 12 and played in bands and duos for over 15 years . I can help you to be a well rounded player and performer with a smile, a laugh and a joy for music whether your in a band or a budding solo artist.

*** Lesson Details ***Most students want to play the Guitar to play their favorite songs and I'm the same way. Music is something we carry with us in our hearts and minds. Students will learn what they wish to learn and work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Whether you are a student, “weekend warrior” or a parent whose child has expressed an interest in Guitar anyone can learn all there is to know about Harmony and Theory for the Guitar and how to play their favorite songs.

We cover theory in an easy and straightforward no nonsense way in the first half of each lesson and then apply it to the song you wish to learn. This creates an atmosphere where you understand and feel at home with the Guitar. You get an understanding right away and because it is immediately fun it allows you to feel comfortable at any level. Music is fun, and songs are the creative expression of what we feel. Combining theory and the freedom to play and sing songs allows us to express ourselves through music. After 6 months students will have a solid foundation in theory, and a road map of the guitar fretboard enabling them to advance to an intermediate level if they are ready to do so. Students will know enough that music as it relates to the Guitar, which is the world’s most popular instrument in contemporary music, is not a mystery but is a welcome friend. And they will be able to play songs by popular artists and advance at a pace that is satisfying and enjoyable.----------------------------

Student Comments:What Students Are Saying About ~ James Teaching Style

“I studied guitar privately with James in 2010. His style of teaching helped me to get past my blocks. He opened new doors for me. Thanks!”--Daniel S., guitar student, Los Angeles, CA 2010""James is a trustworthy man, great with answering back right away. Always ready to help with new members. I would definitely recommend him." ~ PJ Stover of PJ Stover Voices; Independent Film & Recording voice-over artist -----------------------------------What James spouse says about working on songwriting with him:

"James is my husband for over 10 years now. Over the years, I have seen James give guidance and counsel to many hopeful musicians of all ages, and inspire others about how music influences and benefits our lives. I would highly recommend James to anyone who wants to learn guitar, voice, music theory, and acting. James is a great talent, and study with him would benefit anyone with the sincere desire to grow as an artist. When we married, I had fallen in love with James’ conversational style, and his vast knowledge of music. When I heard him play guitar, I knew that I wanted to write songs with him, and we released our first album, in 2012 on iTunes."

*** Specialties ***Songs in the following styles: Pop, Rock and Modern Country Music. Also Composition Analysis while learning the song.

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Reviews

Erin Virgili April 6, 2017·Improv Acting·Online

James was a wonderful instructor! Not only did he make my son feel confident about taking lessons he offered great advice and guidance about the acting industry. I would definitely recommend him to anyone seriously interested in improving their acting skills. My son is 12 years old.

James W.

James W.

About Mark F.

About Mark

I am a lifelong lover of music and education. I will use my 41years of performance experience to show students how to play guitar, bass, or sing, but more importantly, how to enjoy those things!

I believe music is, first and foremost a source of joy, and my lessons are designed to bring that about. Whether you desire to be a full-time rock star, or just a hobbyist, playing in your church praise band, I can show you how to do it, and have a great time doing it!

*** Lesson Details ***My lessons are individualized, based on the needs of the student. I teach all ages, all styles. For guitar, I prefer beginning, or intermediate students, although I think I can help the advanced player as well.

Reviews

Emily F. May 29, 2016·Guitar·In studio

Unfortunately, yesterday was my last lesson with Mark, as I am moving to Guam. I would definitely not be giving up my weekly lesson with him if that weren't the case! I've learned so much in the short couple months taking lessons from him. I would recommend him to anyone of any skill level. Very helpful and kind. :)

Mark F.

Mark F.

About Tyler A.

About Tyler

I have my BFA in Acting from Elon University and have been studying at Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop since Jan. 2016.

While at Elon I worked as a teacher's assistant for two years where I specialized in and began instructing the Meisner technique.

Duties as a teacher's assistant: coaching in-class work (repetitions, activities, monologues, and scenes), providing private coaching for students with whatever they needed assistance in, grading and reviewing students.

While at Elon University I also trained in Stanislavsky, Acting for the Camera, Shakespeare, Improv, and Voice (Skinner technique, Fitzmaurice) and Movement (Laban and Alexander techniques, BMC [Body-Mind Centering], and Yoga).

I've studied abroad in Arezzo, Italy, where I studied Commedia dell'Arte and Physical Theatre, and I've also studied under actress Marilyn

McIntyre at the Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles.

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About Anna C.

About Anna

Dear student,Here are a few facts about me.I am a native of France. For a part of my life I had to follow a “practical” course, and earned a degree in aerospace engineering, a profession I practiced successfully for several years at the French spatial agency. But I was eventually able to abandon the engineering profession in order to devote myself entirely to my true calling. As an opera singer, I have been performing in places such as Cortot concert hall in Paris or Carnegie Hall in New York. I have been teaching voice for years now, to kids and adults. I have also been teaching French since my arrival in the US.I therefore teach French diction too, to professional singers and actors.I also enjoy teaching music initiation to the little ones (3 to 6 years old).I would be happy to answer all the questions regarding my work.Wa

rmly,Anna

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Reviews

Andie H. May 9, 2017·French·In home

It was a pleasure to meet you today Anna. I enjoyed our lesson a lot.
I hope you had a very happy National Teacher's day.
Until our next lesson! In the meantime I'll do some homework. 😊

Valentina V. March 8, 2017·French·Online

Great teacher. She has engaged my daughter and renewed her interest!

Angelique February 2, 2016·Classical Voice·In studio

Anna was a great teacher. She has always perfectly adapted to my needs and level, finding the appropriate ways to coach me. I have made considerable progress with her and would strongly recommend her sensitive and rigorous teaching.

Among many skills, she herself has an extraordinary voice and vocal technique which will make you even more willing to develop your vocal skills.

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About Olivia L.

About Olivia

I am a professional dancer and a proud Dance Theatre Conservatory graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Hollywood, CA. She has trained in styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, and Tap, as well as Acting and Musical Theatre. I also live fitness and have a background in Pilates and Yoga, as well as Health and Nutrition and love to talk about that. I have worked with talented choreographers in Los Angeles and Guam and have taught for many years. I recently got back from dancing for 10 months on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line- Grand Celebration Ship. I also specialize in Musical Theatre, as well as life coaching/guiding. I have worked with toddlers and young kids, al the way up to adults, beginners and advanced. I want to learn about you, and what your goals are so I can help you achieve them. I a

m all about positivity and hope we can work together.

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Olivia L.

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About Randy S.

About Randy

I have a Masters degree in Theatre History and Criticism (Theatrical Critical Theory). I have teaching experience and have been exposed to many different types of teaching styles and locales, (i.e. classroom, studio).I have a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts with a focus on acting, Academia.com holds some of my work and I can certainly offer more.I have always been an actor first, simultaneously I have believed that teacher's are born not bred. At the risk of tooting my own horn; I am both, an actor and a teacher with more than a few credentials to support those facts. Peace and Kind Regards

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Reviews

sebastian August 2, 2017·Method Acting·Online

Randy does an amazing job. I am beginning in acting and trying to discover myself in the acting career. Randy does an amazing job and really helped me set my expectations and eased me into the next lesson. If you want to discover the world of acting you should give Randy a shot, you will not be disappointed with the valuable information he has to offer.

Vijay May 12, 2017·Speaking Voice·Online

I am very happy I have Randy as my voice trainer. With a solid experience in acting, Randy helps you develop your vocal strengths. He helps identify and overcome any weaknesses, with amazing and effective exercises.

David May 8, 2017·Poker·Online

He's a great teacher who really knows what he's talking about! Now we are moving to poker sites, (Betonline), and playing for real as are next lessons!

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About James A.

About James

As a Voice Actor, James R. Alburger has gained a reputation for delivering exceptional voiceover performances on time and exceeding client expectations, for a wide variety of projects ranging from radio commercials to self-guided tour narration, to web learning, to dialogue, to specialized character voice work, to delivery of complex technical and medical scripts.

As a teacher and owner of the VoiceActing Academy in San Diego, he works with people who want to break into voiceover and provides continued support through, the Conductor’s Club.

As an 11-time Emmy winning audio producer, director, and copy writer through his production company, VoiceActing Studios, he works with business owners and advertising agencies who use radio advertising, and with other clients who want exceptional sound design, music editing, and audio production - i

ncluding audio post-production and sweetening for video and film.

As a performance director for voiceover, stage, and video, James takes an actor’s initial choices to a new level through his understanding of the nuance of interpretation, delivery, blocking, timing, and character.

As an author, James has written what has become the standard reference book for the voiceover industry, "The Art of Voice Acting."

As co-executive producer of the VoiceOver International Creative Experience (VOICE), the world’s only major convention for voice actors, James has gained a high level of credibility in the voiceover community for exceptional community service and event producing.

For more than 45 years James has worked with voiceover artists as a voice actor, director, performer and studio engineer in Los Angeles and San Diego. For 25 years, he was a director and audio producer for NBC in San Diego, receiving eleven Emmy® Awards. Following his television career, James moved into professional voiceover and creative services with the establishment of VoiceActing.com and VoiceActing Studios where he received numerous Omni Intermedia Awards, the Communicator Award, and multiple Silver Microphone Awards for his work. He is currently an independent audio producer, voice actor, performance coach, professional speaker, author, and teacher.

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While becoming an actor may seem extremely difficult in and of itself, without any experience it may even feel nearly impossible. However, what we often fail to realize is that the process alone of becoming an actor is filled with lessons that add to our overall experience and skill set. In fact, there's actually no such

How to Learn to Dance: Are Classes or Private Lessons Better?

Whether you're just starting out as a dancer or preparing for your solo debut, a professional instructor is a mandatory ingredient in your recipe for success. But do you know how to learn to dance at a pace that's right for you? If you're having trouble deciding between group classes and private lessons, consider some of the ways in which each instruction method can benefit you.
Is Dance Class Your Best Bet?
When students first enter the world of dance, it's often through enrollment in a gro

Acting Tips: Do I Really Need an Acting Coach?

How important is it for aspiring actors to hire an acting coach? Find out in this guest post by New York, NY acting teacher Stephanie B...
So let's assume you are an actor in NYC or LA - running around auditioning like mad, but not really getting too many call-backs. And not really getting cast, either! You think, maybe I should try working with an acting coach like some others do. But what can an acting coach do for me? Why give someone money to do---what? What does an acting coach do to